1 of 2 newborn beluga whales at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium dies 2 days after difficult birth

1 of 2 newborns belugas dies at Chicago Aquarium

CHICAGO — One of two beluga whale calves born at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium in the past week has died.

Aquarium officials say the 5-foot, 6-inch long male calf who weighed 152 pounds died Tuesday.

Preliminary necropsy results didn’t show a conclusive cause of death, but Shedd officials say further testing will be conducted.

Beluga whale Naya (NY’-ah) gave birth to the calf Sunday. Shedd officials say it was a difficult birth and the animal was under constant observation.

Shedd vice president Ken Ramirez says staff became concerned Tuesday when the calf continued to be disoriented while swimming and hadn’t reached critical milestones like nursing.

Shedd officials say another male calf born last week to beluga whale Puiji (poo-EE-gee) continues to progress and is doing well.